Honda has expressed its gratitude to Christian Horner for his role in its partnership with Red Bull, which made both parties winners in Formula 1 once again.
The Japanese giants switched to supplying power units for the Milton Keynes-based outfit in 2019, after a disappointing spell with McLaren upon its return to F1.
Honda and Red Bull’s partnership garnered three Constructors’ Championships and four Drivers’ titles, and continues to use Honda power under its Red Bull Powertrains brand, which will cease at the end of the year as it moves to Aston Martin.
Koji Watanabe, president of Honda Racing, paid tribute to Horner, pledging his thanks to Horner, and affirming the remaining months of the relationship with Red Bull will not be affected.
“We are grateful for Christian’s collaboration from the start of our partnership through to today,” he said.
He added: “We have had a great relationship with our new team principal, Laurent, since he arrived at Racing Bulls.
“There is no change in Honda’s intention to do its utmost together with Red Bull Racing and the Racing Bulls over the next 12 races.”
Tsunoda ‘grateful for everything’ to Horner
Yuki Tsunoda also publicly stated his gratitude to Horner for his support since becoming a Red Bull driver in April this year.
Tsunoda, a Honda-backed driver, was installed into the lead Red Bull team from the Japanese Grand Prix onwards, replacing Liam Lawson.
Despite his struggles within the team, Tsunoda has previously stated he has had the full backing of both Horner and advisor Helmut Marko.
On his X account, Tsunoda posted a photograph of himself with Horner, thanking him for the part he has played in giving him a seat alongside Max Verstappen.
“Thank you Christian for all the support you’ve given me this year,” he penned. “It’s been amazing to see what you’ve built at Red Bull Racing.
“Thank you for making me part of that. “I’ve learned a lot and am grateful for everything.”
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